Sonita's Dancer

When Max and I were married, I knew he was an outdoor person. He loved to fish, hunt and play golf. What I didn't know was that he also had desires for having a cattle and horse ranch. We were married several years when we began going to horse sales. We didn't have any land or animals but from the sales, we were wishing and learning more about the horse registry. Max had always read a lot about the west, western memorabilia and stories of the true west.

One of the first horse sales we went to was in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the first annual Indian Capital Quarter Horse Sale, June 10, 1957. We attended a number of sales where Hank Wiescamp was the auctioneer. These were my favorites because I loved his sense of humor.

We finally were able to buy some land and build a house to live in the country. We have had many different horses, some knotheads and some beautiful. Max rode almost everyday just for fun, to check fences or to move cattle.

We attended a sale in Fitztown, OK. With the intention of buying several mares, Max selected the ones he wanted to bid on and especially wanted a certain gray mare. She had Dick Sonita and Wimpy bloodlines. He went back to check again on the mares and at that time, the gray mare came into the ring so I bought her. I don't remember if he was happy with the price we paid for her or not, but her progeny has been our very favorite line.

We went to Alamosa and purchased a well-bred stallion that Hank was using. The cross with the gray mare was excellent and this has been Max's favorite horse. Sonita was broke as a two-year old and is now eighteen years old. Max rode her almost everyday, he shot quail off her, and even took her to Montana elk hunting. She can get a cow in the barn if need be, and our Grandchildren safely rode her.

We commissioned an artist to paint Sonitas Dancer and the painting hangs in our living room to remind us of all the joy she has given to us.